Trials destined for the east Kimberley, South Australia and an unknown third WA site aim to combat drug, alcohol and gambling abuse by quarantining 80 per cent of welfare payments on to debit cards that will work anywhere but ATMs, bottle shops and casinos.

Residents who plan to move away to avoid the scheme may be unaware they could not opt out in this way, Senator Siewert said on Friday, as a Ceduna resident on a disability pension indicated his intention to do just that.